Looking Back, again 12-01-18

When I was taking care of Corky, the Poodle Prince, I enjoyed the views of Alamitos Bay and Lake Havasu.   I miss them now.  But thanks to computers, digital cameras, and Picasa, I am still able to revisit them when I want to look back.  

Alamitos Bay on December 5, 2003.  Notice that a couple houses on the right have their Christmas lights up. 

Not sure what that planet is high in the sky, might be Mars. 

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Friday Food 11-30-18

My friend Carol and I avoided the terrific, but welcome, rain storm on Thursday, by changing our trip to Bowers Museum to Wednesday.  It was a gorgeous day, pleasant temperature and lovely blue sky.  We had lunch at Tangata, the restaurant at Bower's, visited the gift shop to support the economy, and made a stop at Barnes & Noble on the way home. 

We both chose the salmon salad and it was excellent.  Beneath the perfectly cookd salmon, watercress, orange, red onion, avocado, and a bit of tomato, was a small bed of quinoa with the dressing all around it.  

We had bread and butter and water with it. 

There was a table full of museum people next to us, and I noticed several also had the salmon.   Carol had her back to them, but had a view of the patio through the windows behind me.  

From my seat I could see just a corner of the mural on the outside wall. 

Just as I took this  picture a cloud rolled over the sun and eliminated the palm shadows. 

And for a laugh, here is the view as we came out of the gift shop.  The dog belongs to someone in the gift shop and he had been very good, but then he wandered out into the foyer and then into the restaurant.  He is a very nice dog, but not allowed in the restaurant, of course.  One of the gift shop ladies was trying to get the harness on him.  He was being very patient.  He gave nice polite kisses. 

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RAIN! Glorious rain in Southern California 11-29-18

First, here is my hand knitted purple chicken from Peru.  He is watching me from the top of the computer screen.   Sorry I don't have a purple clothespin, blue will have to do.  He is a finger puppet, so he has no feet!  

The rain FINALLY came and it was serious rain.  It pounded on the outside of the house and sounded like a freight train was coming through.  Lots of water in the roadside gutters coming up into the first lane of traffic.  Slowed everyone down, if they wanted to slow or not.  Many drivers here have almost no experience driving in rain, so they don't realize how slick the pavement is after so many dry months.  

And there is also the limited visibility to contend with. 

KoKo went to the groomers for a bath and a trim - he looks so handsome.  Fortunately it is only a few steps from the door to the car as the rain was pounding down.   At 7pm, when we schedule our evening walk the rain had stopped, so we went out; KoKo found his perfect poopy spot very quickly and we headed home just as it started sprinkling again.  All evening it has started and stopped.  We even had lightning and thunder and one streak of lightning went horizontal across the sky from horizon to horizon, except I couldn't see the horizons because of the rain!  Nor could I hear the thunder due to the noise on the car.  Really unusual stuff for Southern California.  

Here is a fascinating picture taken by Marcia Ann Kuehl.  It is the rain on the hood of a car with the reflection of a towering palm tree. 

Supposed to be partially cloudy tomorrow with more rain on Sat/Sun.  Too bad it comes down so hard and heavy and runs off.  We need some gentle, steady rain that will soak into the ground.  

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Pennies from...... 11-28-18

 I have talked before about always looking for money on the street/sidewalk when I was growing up.  I had good luck, but I suppose I missed a lot of rainbows, sunrises, and sunsets!  My luck has followed me, but only occasionally.  During my walks with KoKo I have found a five dollar bill blowing down the street and a few pennies.  But the last week I stepped off the curb and was standing on this array of moola.  Three dimes, one nickel, eleven pennies, and a metal washer!

Maybe some one's pocket was too heavy and they lightened the load by tossing a handful out the window.  I have heard that guys do this sometimes.  Weird!   Just think what I can buy with 46 cents and a metal washer.  Guess I'll just add it to my money jar, it isn't nearly full. 

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Another KoKo post 11-26-18

KoKo doesn't want to me read, he wants me to pet him and throw Froggie. 

He worms his way under my book.

Then he lifts his head and gives me the "poor unloved doggy" look. 

He is also pretty persistent when we are walking. Here he is saying "I want to go this way."  What does he see in this driveway that makes him pull so hard?

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Ellen Lindner quilt from SAQA 2018 auction 11-25-18

This is the last of the three quilts added to TCQC in October 2018 from the SAQA online auction.  I don't have the funds I once did, because I like to buy quilts!   But I was not overly impressed by the selection this year.   I like to think that the quilts submitted are the artist's very best work.  

I have long admired Ellen Linder's quilts and was glad to see these bright leaves this year.  Interesting hand stitching, but it isn't quilting because it doesn't go all the way through to the backing. 

"Crotons with Attitude"  Elllen Lindner  2018  12" X 12"

Cotton fabrics, batting, and thread. 

 Fused, raw edge applique,machine stitching, hand stitching. 

The machine stitched "outline" adds a lot of depth to the image. 

A good label with contact for the artist, in case someone wants to contact her to buy more quilts!   See more of her work at her website:  www.adventurequilter.com

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